By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday in New York that the prosecution of those who misappropriated Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC)’s revenue, under the past administration would soon commence.
He said the federal government has begun the sanitisation of Nigeria’s oil industry to make it totally free of corruption and shady deals, as well as ensuring efficiency.
Speaking at a meeting with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 70th General Assembly of the United Nations, the President said, necessary steps had already been taken with the appointment of a new management for the NNPC and the subsequent reorganisation of the sector.
The President thanked President Xi Jinping for China’s ongoing assistance in curbing crude oil theft from Nigeria, and applauded China’s interception of shiploads of crude oil stolen from Nigeria, which, according to him, were to be sold and proceeds paid into private accounts.
“We know your stand on corruption, and we are grateful. Your continued cooperation in curbing oil theft from Nigeria will be appreciated,” he said.
He also assured President Xi Jinping that under its new leadership, the Nigerian military had been re-trained and re-equipped, and was now making steady gains against Boko Haram.
In his remarks, President Jinping told President Buhari that China, which is already involved in Nigeria in diverse areas like railway, airports, agriculture, and in the Mambilla Hydro-power project, among others, would increase its investment in the country’s agricultural sector to support the achievement of domestic food security.
He also promised further Chinese investment in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, and more support for human capital development in the country.
